diarist and poet

scan the list.
hunt for yourself.

the name-tag you wear disappoints
you.
me.
you is me.
or at least like me.

difficult to admit
this identity crisis
without judging
loved ones
and self
for generations.
I'd rather not.

In America,
they say,
you can be self made.
It's in your head.
Marketing isn't bioengineering
in my head
or body.

Nathan, can we jump?
Can we not and say we did, like you used to ask?
Is lying to yourself worth the time?

My head
is held
to the spot
on the couch
that I made
with my name-tag
and I am rebuked.

so I scan the list.
and hunt for myself.